Mack attack makes a point

Feb 18 2009 Staines News

Ashford's teenage karting star Mackenzie Taylor is challenging for international glory in the prestigious Winning Series Championship.

Last week, the Sunbury Manor student joined 76 other drivers for the opening round at the superb La Conca circuit, near Muro Leccese in Puglia, Italy.

In an incredibly close-timed qualifying session, in which the top 61 drivers were separated by less than a second - Taylor was 25th fastest overall, after being baulked on several occasions by slower karts.

A tough first (of four) heats saw him cross the line in 14th place. Things improved when he took fourth position in the following race but major problems struck in the third, when a collision put him out of contention.

Needing to finish no lower than fourth in his last race to avoid the re-run, Taylor duly delivered the goods with a barn-storming drive to second.

This put him in 21st place overall in the intermediate classification and on the grid for the first points-scoring final.

"I came here believing I could win," he said. "Still, I've got points on the board and that puts me in the hunt."

The second round will be held at Sarno, near Naples in March.

Before then, it is the turn of the annual Winter Cup at Lonato near the southern tip of Lake Garda in northern Italy - to take centre stage.

Keep up to date with the news. Sign up for News Alerts

Have your say on the latest news and sport in our Forums

Site Tools